At the beginning of the hockey season, the arena uses an advanced refrigeration system that pumps freezing “brinewater” (salt water) through a system of pipes that run through a large piece of concrete known as the “ice slab.” When the “ice slab” gets cold enough, layers of water are applied to it. The first few layers are painted with the hockey markings and the advertisements that you see on (or more correctly “in”) the ice. These layers are then covered with 8 to 10 more thin layers of ice. When complete, the ice is only one inch thick! The ice stays in place from September to [the end of the season].

This year’s ice sheet features the arena’s new name and two new sponsors. There’s also stars that make up the entire red line.